Care and trust should define a shared sense of Irishness in the new year, President Michael D Higgins has said.

He reflected on the sacrifice and hardship of recent times and said his next year would be dedicated to the service of the people.

"During 2014 I will be encouraging the widest possible discussion of ethics in every aspect of our lives, nationally and globally," Mr Higgins said.

"This will, I hope, make a contribution towards moving beyond a version of our society and economy that has brought so much hardship, required so much sacrifice.

"As a new year beckons, I am confident that Irish people will draw on the character and resilience they have so often shown to craft a vision of our shared Irishness that is defined by the values of care, solidarity, trust and responsibility.

"In the year ahead, I will continue to dedicate my abilities to the service of the Irish people at home and abroad, and I greatly look forward to the state visit to our nearest neighbours and friends in the United Kingdom in April."